Depression

Lately I have been hearing of a lot of black women committing suicide. These stories saddened me for these women dealing with mental issues, and self hate suffered in silence. Their stories inspired me to write this article. Depression is defined as :

             1. severe despondency and dejection, typically felt over a period of time and accompanied by feelings          of hopelessness and inadequacy.

             2. 

the act of lowering something or pressing something down.

This is the definition that you will find if you google the word Depression. In many cases of people with Chronic Illnesses you will find that many of them have experienced depression. This does not leave out Sickle Cell Disease. To show the intensity of this issue I picked the first four articles that came up on my google search and quoted the most important lines to me. One article stating that " around half of people living with sickle cell will become depressed at least once during their life ". This is a statistic that I can believe without a doubt. For me, looking at other peoples lives who did not have an illness like mine would make me incredibly depressed. I always thought people could tell that something was different with me, i would hide and not talk about anything. This is something that I personally deal with to this day and only about a year ago did I start to actually tell people about my disease. 

Of course in the articles that I did find that were researching depression in sickle cell stated that " much less is known about SCD( Sickle Cell disease) " which brings on a rant that I cant even start on right now! lol. It does sadden me that I couldn't find more in depth research or journals on the subject. I know personally, that depression and anxiety disorders are very prevalent in people with SCD. So the fact that there is not more research going in to help people who do suffer is terrible. I know when I was very depressed over my Disease in my young teens I had no one to turn to , and turn to finding other people on the internet who were going through the same things I was! It was a great comfort to me and we need to start encouraging each other. Life is hard enough and can easily get you down, without living with SCD. SCD just throws in another stress! If you are feeling down, and that you cant get up on your own PLEASE REACH OUT TO SOMEONE! I hate to see anyone but especially people of my kind succumbing to these mental issues. You are not alone, remember that! 

"Treatment of depression should be strongly considered to improve the quality of life and probably disease course in sickle cell patients." (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12911250)

p.s i realized i didn't put a lot of quotes because I wanted to make this more uplifting! i will leave some links to articles if you would like to read more facts

THANK YOU AND BE STRONG !!!!

Morgan <3

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17389120

http://primarypsychiatry.com/psychiatric-issues-in-adults-with-sickle-cell-disease/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17389120

http://scinfo.org/problem-oriented-clinical-guidelines/specific-problems-depression

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  the act of lowering something or pressing something down

Technical Difficulties

So I was working on a great in depth article that affects me and needs to be brought to light. But I am now without the internet, to do more research. So I will be posting it as soon as I can and sorry for the delay! 

Stay Strong,

Morgan 

Sorry For the Delay

So my doctors appointment went good. They see nothing wrong going on and my blood counts were excellent ( minus high white blood cells ) which is most likely from being around germy, dirty kids at work. Which is why I have decided to leave my job at the day care. All the Money in the world is not worth putting myself at risk. So I am on to the next adventure which I have seem to be doing for the last couple of months. Oh well, LIVE AND LEARN PEOPLE.. Live and learn. Well I will talk to you guys later on a reasonable hour lol

Xoxo 

Morgan 

grrr….

I told you guys spring is not for me.. I have been feeling pretty bad lately and I am home from work ( have been since yesterday). I have an appointment with my Hematologist tomorrow to see what has been going on, I usually do not get sick this often while taking my Hyrdoxyurea as I am supposed to. We are hoping that  the medicine is still working for me cause if not I have to start looking for Alternative ways to manage my SCD. I am still searching but will definitely post alternatives, and if anyone has suggestions for me please share!! I will also let you know what happens at my appointment tomorrow.


Morgan, xoxo

Gearing Up

So it is that time of the year again, Season Change. The snowy days will now turn to… rainy lol. Its almost spring time! I like the idea of spring time but spring is always the time that I get sick most, its the whole 60 degrees today 30 degrees tomorrow thing that keeps happening. The weather change put me out cold this weekend, I had to leave work early Friday and called out yesterday. I went in today but still am in mild pain ( but i am trying to pace myself… promise). ANYWAY.. back to the main point! With Sickle Cell as you get older you start to get to know your sickness better, and everyone is unique in a certain way. You know the things that trigger you and where your pain may be, you also know the things that can help you to keep moving. With the knowledge that the spring season is not the best time for me I have to prepare myself, mentally, physically, emotionally.

1. DRINK WATER ( AS ALWAYS) - I am also limiting my soda, and sugary drink intake.
2. GET SLEEP - they say 8-10 hours… I'm trying to stay in that range
3. EAT HEALTHY- well i already gave up fast food for " lent ".. so staying away from the chip aisle in the grocery store.
4. RID OF UNNECESSARY STRESS - everyone has different ways they rid of stress.. mine is TV, and drawing makes me forget about the whole world.
5. KNOW YOUR LIMITS- I am aware I can not do EVERYTHING, I need to think for myself and my health.

Well, thats all for now…

hope you have a great night.

xoxo